Murray begins new job at regional chamber

On his first day as boss, Timothy Murray talks to the chamber's Stuart Loosemore.

WORCESTER — Timothy P. Murray said he's taking a break from politics as he settles into his new role at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Murray resigned as lieutenant governor Sunday and arrived at his new temporary office at the chamber this morning. He replaces the retiring president and chief executive of the chamber, Richard B. Kennedy.

The former Worcester mayor is taking charge of the chamber at a time when it is struggling to retain members. Mr. Murray said one of his first priorities will be to develop a strategic plan for the chamber that includes an analysis of its members and identifies the opportunities and impediments they face.

In an interview, he dismissed the notion that, as a Democratic politician, he was an unusual choice to head an organization that advocates for things like lower taxes and regulation.

"What I'm interested in this job is it's promoting policies, seeking out collaborations and opportunities to grow good-paying jobs," said Mr. Murray, a former partner in a law firm. "We will partner with anybody and any organization who is focused on that goal."

Mr. Murray has been involved with several local projects, including the redevelopment of CitySquare and the expansion of commuter rail service to Boston. As head of the 2,300-member business group, he will stay in the public dialogue but said he won't be active in politics.

He reiterated that his surprise decision to leave public office was not related to his ties to disgraced former Chelsea housing official Michael McLaughlin, whose fundraising for Mr. Murray is under investigation.

"This was a unique job that plays on many of the themes I've been involved with for 15-plus years," he said.

The job includes a pay bump for Mr. Murray and allows him to work just two miles from home.